Plan your journey from Turgutreis
The Avis pick-up point in Turgutreis is right in the heart of this lively town, located about an hour from Bodrum International Airport. Nestled on the coast, Turgutreis boasts pristine blue waters with several kilometres of sandy beaches and an array of restaurants and bars lining its shorefront.
Historically, the town was called Karatoprak but was renamed after an Ottoman admiral born here in the 15th century. Since then it has developed into a modern tourist destination, with contemporary infrastructure and an impressive port. From here you can catch ferries to nearby Greek islands, such as Kos.
Blessed with stunning beaches, the most popular activities in the region are sunbathing and swimming. The pretty beach of Günbatımı Plajı stretches along Turgutreis’ shoreline and is dotted with bright umbrellas. Set close to shops and restaurants, it’s a favourite with locals and tourists. For a slightly quieter spot, drive 20 minutes along the coast to Aspat Beach, which was once a hangout for Genoese pirates. The surrounding hills are also ideal for hiking, with ancient ruins scattered across them.
The weekly Turgutreis Market is well worth visiting to pick up fresh local produce, or souvenirs for friends and family. In the smaller shops and boutiques around town, peruse the array of clothing and artisan wares on sale.
Settled on the coast, it’s little surprise that seafood is a specialty in Turgutreis. Fresh fish features on local menus and Turkish specialties like simit and köfte are often eaten.